Is Self-Guided, Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Actually Effective?
You can find a selection of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based apps in the app stores these days, but can mobile phone apps really provide effective therapy? Scientists in a 2017 meta-analysis say yes, but with a few caveats. Photo by Markus Winkler . A smartphone rests on a wooden table. On the smartphone is a single large "thinking " emoji face. TL;DR : This article touches on some of the risks and benefits of utilizing self-guided, internet-based CBT. We review the results of a 2017 meta-analysis (study of studies) by Karyotaki et al., which investigated the question of whether or not internet-based CBT (iCBT) is effective. The results show that iCBT can work to reduce the number of depressive symptoms and the severity of those symptoms. This article also touches on caveats and where this study falls short in its ability to interpret the data or any causal links between iCBT and improving mental health. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based framework for helpi